Why has the mainstream church become a powerless church?
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3
Amen. I agree that the church of today has become more like the world. The truth has to be preach and the everlasting gospel must go onto the whole world in order to hasten the coming of Jesus Christ. I haven't found the depth of the word in the mainstream churches anymore. However I believe there is God's children in every denomination. God is calling His children to come out of the false system of worship. Many christians are not bible believers and do not study the diligently and are being deceived. They allow the pastor to interpret the bible for them that's why the church is where it is today.
S
You don't need my answers to know the answers. It's clear and evident there are two types of Catholics in the same condition. You can see without a shadow of a doubt what that religion is about by a quick search of the symbology they are seeped in. Those Catholics that know what they worship and the majority who don't take the time to seek what they're worshipping.
Yes sir, that was my whole point. The church is not right. Most are doing things backwards. Instead of doctrinal teaching behind the pulpit, messages are geared toward not offending the audience because they need the audience to give money to their "ministry". IMO, we are in the middle of the church of Laodicea. The church is lukewarm, sitting on the fence of the world and of God. We can't have it both ways.
3
Amen. The Laodicean message to me is probably the most encouraging or powerful message there is. Because Jesus give all the symptoms of our spiritual state and then afterwards He gives the remedy for each spiritual problem which we struggle with. In Revelation 3 :20 He invites us to open our heart to Him. And as soon as ew open He walks in. It is such a powerful message. It is a strong rebuke but what parent wouldn't chastise their children if they dont love them.
Considering that I have spent a number of years 'deconstructing' the restraints and constraints constructed like a religious cage I was told we are required to live within, your term sounds reasonable........ only Luther's attempt didn't work so well; it just created worship of different ideals and items.
Knowing this forum on the whole is right wing or far right wing, ofcourse this kind
of description is going to come out, that the far left are fascist. It is a kind of joke.
But then the way some people want to rewrite labels, to hide their true identity, it
just goes to show you there is nothing new under the sun.
of description is going to come out, that the far left are fascist. It is a kind of joke.
But then the way some people want to rewrite labels, to hide their true identity, it
just goes to show you there is nothing new under the sun.
Yes, I know...
But, keep in mind:
~ Verses like those are not always referring to every-Christian-who-will-ever-live-on-the-Earth. Many of them are "highly-contextual"; referring only to the Apostles, or to the early Church.
~ And, if any of those same things be present today -- it requires a great deal of faith. And, who has great faith today to perform miracles when they do not have enough faith to live the daily Christian Life?
I don't think most Christians today really understand just how big the gap - and the difference - is between the faith of those in the early Church and what we have today. We deny the power of the Holy Spirit by the simplest acts that we do in our everyday lives - that we have been conditioned to think there is nothing wrong with them. Yet, they keep us from getting - and staying - close to God -- close enough to have the kind of faith that is required to perform miracles like those in the early Church did.
Christians today who think they should be running around doing all of the things you mentioned -- while not having a sufficient understanding of "the things of God" -- they are only "wishing for and upon" their own selfish desire(s) to "demonstrate power"...
In other words - for most Christians - it is not about having "real faith" that could move mountains; rather, it is about pride and the will and the want to "have power"...
You can't go around laying claim to things in the Bible that are not talking about you...
But, keep in mind:
~ Verses like those are not always referring to every-Christian-who-will-ever-live-on-the-Earth. Many of them are "highly-contextual"; referring only to the Apostles, or to the early Church.
~ And, if any of those same things be present today -- it requires a great deal of faith. And, who has great faith today to perform miracles when they do not have enough faith to live the daily Christian Life?
I don't think most Christians today really understand just how big the gap - and the difference - is between the faith of those in the early Church and what we have today. We deny the power of the Holy Spirit by the simplest acts that we do in our everyday lives - that we have been conditioned to think there is nothing wrong with them. Yet, they keep us from getting - and staying - close to God -- close enough to have the kind of faith that is required to perform miracles like those in the early Church did.
Christians today who think they should be running around doing all of the things you mentioned -- while not having a sufficient understanding of "the things of God" -- they are only "wishing for and upon" their own selfish desire(s) to "demonstrate power"...
In other words - for most Christians - it is not about having "real faith" that could move mountains; rather, it is about pride and the will and the want to "have power"...
You can't go around laying claim to things in the Bible that are not talking about you...
Christians really need to look at their own performance before expecting perfection from others. The first Disciples and Apostles walked with Jesus 24/7 - Christians do not !
And why do they lack these motivating forces ? because they are DISobedient to them !
These forces are so powerful that if used in the wrong way they destroy rather than 'lift up. Isn't that what the Bible teaches...to be obedient and submissive, putting aside our own reasoning and understanding ? This is very hard for a human being raised from birth in their own carnal spirit by people who themselves are carnal and opposed to God's law Rom 8....any piety they show is based on human traditions established long ago and now taken as true. It will end badly for the unconverted !
These forces are so powerful that if used in the wrong way they destroy rather than 'lift up. Isn't that what the Bible teaches...to be obedient and submissive, putting aside our own reasoning and understanding ? This is very hard for a human being raised from birth in their own carnal spirit by people who themselves are carnal and opposed to God's law Rom 8....any piety they show is based on human traditions established long ago and now taken as true. It will end badly for the unconverted !
D
Because, on BDF, "mainstream" means "they," and "Christian" means "we."
This is more of an on-going monologue by the choir to place blame on "they," than to ever consider "I."
You will see many, many posts on "they," and much back slapping and congratulations to one another that "we" are not "they."
This is more of an on-going monologue by the choir to place blame on "they," than to ever consider "I."
You will see many, many posts on "they," and much back slapping and congratulations to one another that "we" are not "they."
A
Yeah I see the same.
I see churches filled with people who strive to help others. Who sacrifice their own comforts to step out in faith and help others. Who gather together for worship and encouragement to live lives to God's glory. People who don't look to a preacher or a church building to worship or guide them but to God, who realizes that their brothers and sisters are human and make human mistakes in need of forgiveness. Denominations that have checks and balances to keep the temptation to abuse power or steal money to a low because their are commitees that oversee and pray about those kind of decisions. A council to spot and get rid of wolves pretending to be pastors who only want to fleece the sheep. An intentional gathering of pastors to discuss how the Bible applies to today's world and pray for God's guidance.
I don't see God's church as powerless anymore than I see God's people as powerless.
I do see corruption in many churches because people give too much responsibility and power to the preacher. Instead of realizing their own power or how the congregation makes up the church, not just one man. Each person should step up and minister to those around them using the gifts God has given them. I believe people who truly seek to serve God will find a church that will help them grow and help equip them to help others around them, because God will lead them to such a church or group of people who are filled with His holy spirit.
There is a move in our local churches to volunteer and take in the homeless for a week or more in the winter and feed and clothe them. Eventually people talk of having a permanent homeless shelter for the county.
I see churches filled with people who strive to help others. Who sacrifice their own comforts to step out in faith and help others. Who gather together for worship and encouragement to live lives to God's glory. People who don't look to a preacher or a church building to worship or guide them but to God, who realizes that their brothers and sisters are human and make human mistakes in need of forgiveness. Denominations that have checks and balances to keep the temptation to abuse power or steal money to a low because their are commitees that oversee and pray about those kind of decisions. A council to spot and get rid of wolves pretending to be pastors who only want to fleece the sheep. An intentional gathering of pastors to discuss how the Bible applies to today's world and pray for God's guidance.
I don't see God's church as powerless anymore than I see God's people as powerless.
I do see corruption in many churches because people give too much responsibility and power to the preacher. Instead of realizing their own power or how the congregation makes up the church, not just one man. Each person should step up and minister to those around them using the gifts God has given them. I believe people who truly seek to serve God will find a church that will help them grow and help equip them to help others around them, because God will lead them to such a church or group of people who are filled with His holy spirit.
There is a move in our local churches to volunteer and take in the homeless for a week or more in the winter and feed and clothe them. Eventually people talk of having a permanent homeless shelter for the county.
A
I disagree. I believe everyone needs more discipleship.
How in depth can you get with 20 minutes on Sunday of preaching? Do you attend Bible studies? Does your church have a discipleship/mentor program where elders are paired with new believers?
Often I have found the system isn't broken, people just want to do their own thing and reject authority of any kind, even if it's from God.
This siren song of "come out of the churches" too often ends with the Pied piper stealing the children or having them like lemurs jump off a cliff.
No I believe God calls His children to stop being lazy. Read your Bible, pray and take responsibility for your spiritual life. Don't blame the church. Don't blame the pastors for your laziness and rebellion.
If you see something wrong, ask yourself are you going to be part of the problem or part of the solution?
Pray about it.
Is it your pride that blinds you or is there truly something ungodly happening? What does God want you to do about it? Speak out and openly rebuke or walk away and trash talk? Are you brave enough to speak?
How in depth can you get with 20 minutes on Sunday of preaching? Do you attend Bible studies? Does your church have a discipleship/mentor program where elders are paired with new believers?
Often I have found the system isn't broken, people just want to do their own thing and reject authority of any kind, even if it's from God.
This siren song of "come out of the churches" too often ends with the Pied piper stealing the children or having them like lemurs jump off a cliff.
No I believe God calls His children to stop being lazy. Read your Bible, pray and take responsibility for your spiritual life. Don't blame the church. Don't blame the pastors for your laziness and rebellion.
If you see something wrong, ask yourself are you going to be part of the problem or part of the solution?
Pray about it.
Is it your pride that blinds you or is there truly something ungodly happening? What does God want you to do about it? Speak out and openly rebuke or walk away and trash talk? Are you brave enough to speak?
Amen. The problem is always individual, and not being dedicated to the word.
Also the hearts of Gods people need to be open, listening to correction and up building,
healing, and believing God does love them, deeply.
For too many years people think the walk is to the cross and church attendance, and
not a being of one mind and one heart with God. That is just too intimate and heavy.
But this is our Lord and this is His desire. To walk in His ways is the ways of life,
freedom, reality.
Also the hearts of Gods people need to be open, listening to correction and up building,
healing, and believing God does love them, deeply.
For too many years people think the walk is to the cross and church attendance, and
not a being of one mind and one heart with God. That is just too intimate and heavy.
But this is our Lord and this is His desire. To walk in His ways is the ways of life,
freedom, reality.